Holidays 2017

 The holidays were just a month ago. Yet it feels like a year has past, not thirty days. Time is such an illusion, isn't it? And perhaps because I am not so invested in man made holidays (don't get me started on the real birth of Yeshua, it wasn't December 25th) or how commercial they are (if the Messiah would return s/he would die immediately of shock!), I was thankful when January arrived.

Now I may sound like the grinch but I do appreciate the time spent with loved ones over during late December. It is always sweet to see those we care about and I do enjoy finding gifts for the girls, our nephews and nieces. Although I will admit that I/we mostly get need vs want for our gals. A few surprises are fun but I like the girls to know that the things they need (clothing, shoes) are things not to be taken for granted. Mostly though, honestly though, other than time with family, I am most thankful when the winter solstice comes and we then make our way towards spring.

I am the lone wolf  in my family around my true feelings about Christmas time. I know the girls love Christmas and Don takes pride in putting up lights and the tree. It's not because I am Jewish that I don't find Christmas time all the appealing. Yes, the reasons above irk the heck out of me but maybe there was more to it with this past year having been one of the more challenging years (more on that here http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2017/12/festival-of-lights.html). Still, the most important thing is our family got to make some more memories with their family during time spent at Aunt Paula's for the annual Christmas Eve Soup Exchange. And honestly, being with loved ones, no matter the reason or season, is most cherished.

Here's a glimpse of some our family time this past December 2017.

Christmas Eve

Cousin Theo

Cousin Maria brought a pinata which was a huge hit for the younger crew.

Havana with one of the fun surprises, gifted to her by Big Sis.